Ill. strip club tax will fund rape crisis centers

CHICAGO (AP) -- Strip clubs in Illinois will soon have to pay an additional tax to help fund efforts to prevent sexual assault and counsel victims.

Gov. Pat Quinn on Saturday signed into a law a measure establishing the tax.

Supporters say strip clubs contribute to crime and violence and should help pay for fighting the problems.

The new tax will help reverse funding cuts in sexual assault services.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon had pushed for the tax and says it is projected to raise up to $1 million a year.

The law takes effect Jan. 1. It will place an annual surcharge on strip clubs that have live nude dancing and permit alcohol. Businesses could pay $3 per customer or pay a graduated amount based on their sales.

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